Solastalgia is a neologism referencing the pain experienced when an environment is changed. As the title of the newest album by Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins, it has a double meaning of addressing climate change, an issue Higgins cares and writes about, and the many other dashed expectations for the future referenced throughout the album. It’s her fifth album in a career that began in 2004, during which time Higgins has had two number-one albums in Australia, built a following in the States, gotten married, and is now expecting her second child. Throughout all the plans made and changed, she has maintained a sense of responsibility for her actions because ‘the future’s watching us.’

Chime is Dessa’s fourth album in a long career spent forging her own path. As CEO of the Minnesota-based hip-hop collective Doomtree, she has undoubtedly contemplated what it means to be a woman in a position of power, and she delves into these themes throughout Chime. Bending genres from hip-hop to pop, Dessa’s skillful rapping and everywoman singing voice explore where empowerment comes from.